Accessories for apparel

ABSTRACT

An accessory adapted for attachment to an item of apparel or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the accessory simulates a cell phone attached to the pocket area of jeans. The simulated cell phone has a flip top, which flip top is provided with a pocket for holding a selected celebrity or personal photo therein. The bottom portion of the cell phone is attached to an area adjacent the pocket of the jeans.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 11/406,285, filed Apr. 19, 2006, which claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/672,876, filed Apr. 20, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to design accessories for apparel. More specifically, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is drawn to an accessory designed to replicate a cell telephone.

2. Description of the Related Art

Today's “pop culture” scene almost demands that aficionados' attire be classified as “cool”. Thus, designers are always searching for ideas to update yesterday's fashion. The cell phone has taken the world of communication by storm and is on just about everyone's “must have” list. This is especially true of teenagers, some pre-teens and young adults whose buying power drives the fashion industry. To incorporate the design of the popular cell phone into wearing apparel and/or adjuncts thereof would be a “way cool” idea.

Accessories for apparel are well known in the related art. Pertinent samples of this related art are cited and identified in the accompanying IDS. However, none of the cited related art, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to disclose unique accessories for apparel as will be subsequently described and claimed in the instant invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an accessory adapted for attachment to the exterior surface of an item of apparel or the like. In one embodiment, the accessory simulates a cell phone attached to an exterior surface of a pair of jeans. The simulated cell phone has a flip-top provided with a window area for holding a selected celebrity or personal photo therein. The bottom portion of the cell phone is attached to the jeans.

A second embodiment shows the cell phone attached to the outside of a hidden pocket on a backpack. The cell phone has a flip-top that may be open or closed. A window area is provided on both the front and rear surfaces of the flip-top.

A third embodiment of the invention employs simulated sunglasses wherein each lens incorporates a pocket for holding a photo.

Although illustrated as attached to jeans, a backpack and a handbag, it should be noted that the design accessory can be utilized on an exterior surface of almost any item including umbrellas, swimsuits, shirts, sweaters, etc. It should also be noted that the accessory can be fabricated in various fabrics and colors to appeal to different aesthetic tastes.

Accordingly, the invention presents an accessory design that is unique and fashionable. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.

A clear understanding of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a first embodiment of a novelty design for apparel according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of a first embodiment of a novelty design for apparel according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial, side view of a first embodiment of a novelty design for apparel according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, with flip-top opened, of a second embodiment of a novelty design for apparel according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, with flip-top closed, of a second embodiment of a novelty design for apparel according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an environmental, perspective view of a third embodiment of a novelty design for apparel according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a novelty cell phone design for apparel according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a novelty cell design with the flip top open for apparel according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a novelty cell design with the flip top closed for apparel according to the present invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Attention is first directed to FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings, wherein the preferred embodiment of the present invention is generally indicated at 10. The novelty design shown at 10 takes on the form of a cell phone. The cell phone comprises a bottom portion 12, which bottom portion is attached adjacent the pocket area on a pair of jeans 14. Although located adjacent the pocket area as illustrated, it is obvious that the novelty design could be positioned on other areas of the jeans if desired. Bottom portion 12 presents a replica of a cell phone keypad. Bottom portion 12 may be attached to the jeans by any convenient and suitable means (sewing, glue, hook and loop, etc.). The top portion 16 replicates the flip-top of a cell phone. Top portion 16 is attached to bottom portion 12 at interface 18. Top portion 16 is not attached to jeans 14 so that the top portion is free to bend or flip to close the simulated cell phone.

Bottom portion 12 and top portion 16 may be fabricated from any conventional, suitable material that will accept the design of the keypad and retain its shape through repeated laundering. The interior of both portions can be made from a host of suitable materials including foam and/or plastic. As best seen in FIG. 3, a thin, bendable material 20, i.e. wire, defines the periphery of top portion 16. The wire may be copper, floral wire, pipe cleaner wire or any wire that is flexible and yet durable enough to retain the shape of the flip top in spite of opening and closing. The colors of the fabrics employed to cover the top and bottom portions (and wire) will be varied and chosen to appeal to different aesthetic tastes.

A pocket 24 is formed in the front surface of the central area of top portion 16. The face 24 a of pocket 24 is fabricated from transparent material, preferably a washable plastic material. Pocket 24 is adapted to retain a photo P therein. Pocket 24 is open at one side so that the photo may be removed and replaced if desired. As stated above, the photo may be personal or that of a selected pet or celebrity as desired.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are illustrative of a second embodiment wherein a cell phone is mounted on a backpack B. The cell phone comprises a bottom portion 40 that is attached to the outer surface of a pocket P. Pocket P is disposed on backpack B. The flip-top portion of the cell phone is provided with a front surface 42 a and a rear surface 42 b. Respective pockets are formed in the central area of each face. Respective transparent windows 44, 46 form the face of each pocket. As in the above-described embodiment, the pockets are adapted to retain personal or celebrity photos therein. The positioning of the cell phone on pocket P functions to disguise or hide pocket P to some degree. Pocket P is sized to house a real cell phone or other small items. The simulated cell phone of the instant embodiment is fabricated in the manner as indicated for the first embodiment. It should be recognized that during the manufacturing process, the flip-top can be oriented to open horizontally or at any angle.

FIG. 6 is illustrative of a third embodiment, which is a replica of a pair of sunshades 30 having simulated lenses 32 and 34. Lens 32 and 34 are fabricated as pockets having transparent faces 32 a, 34 a. The pockets are adapted to retain photos of the type described above. As illustrated sunshades 30 are attached to a handbag H. It is again emphasized that the novelty designs can be attached to almost any substructure and is not limited to jeans, backpacks and/or handbags. It should also be noted that other novelty replicas (cameras, automobiles, television sets, etc.) can be employed if desired.

The cell phone attachment, as shown in FIG. 7, includes a side-opening pocket 40 for inserting and removing objects 42 to and from the simulated phone. Rather than a photo, as indicated above, object 42 can be a game score pad or the like, and the key pad may retain removable game pieces 44 that are retained on the keyboard by fasteners, such as hook and loop type fasteners.

The embodiment of the faux cell phone illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 includes a keypad having interchangeable inserts 50 of various types and configurations (the inserts can be non-removable if desired). The inserts may be employed to retain stamps or to house cosmetics. A mirror 52 is mounted on the inner surface of the cell phone flip top portion 16. A note pad 54 is mounted adjacent the mirror. A mini-pen 56, designed to resemble an antenna, is removably disposed via an opening 56 a in the body of the faux cell phone. The antenna can be fully removed or when you press the antenna an applicator tip or pen will emerge through an opening (not shown) at the bottom of the cell phone. If the keypad is utilized to house cosmetics, the applicator can take the form of a cosmetic brush or the like. The body of the cell phone can also be adapted to house small candy, which candy is dispensed via the opening at the bottom when the antenna is pressed. An expandable pocket 58 is positioned on the rear surface of the bottom portion. Expandable pocket 58 is employed to house such objects as an Ipod or the like. When closed, the faux cell phone presents a cavity 62 designed to house a removable photo or the like. Magnetic fasteners 60 may be used to fasten the phone in a closed position. It should be noted that the game pads, notepads, etc. can slide in and out from the sides or top of or they can be attached and reattached to the front of the window in a frame-like configuration.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. 

1. An accessory for attachment to personal apparel, comprising: a simulated accessory device adapted for attachment to an exterior surface of the personal apparel; a pocket disposed on the accessory device, the pocket having a transparent face; and a user-selectable photograph removably disposed in the pocket.
 2. The accessory for attachment to personal apparel according to claim 1, wherein said simulated accessory device is a simulated cell phone.
 3. The accessory for attachment to personal apparel according to claim 1, wherein said simulated accessory device is a simulated pair of sunshades.
 4. The accessory for attachment to personal apparel according to claim 1, wherein said transparent face is fabricated from a washable plastic material.
 5. An accessory for attachment to an exterior surface of personal apparel, comprising: a simulated cell phone having a bottom portion and a flip-top portion, the flip-top portion having a front surface, the bottom portion being adapted for attachment to the personal apparel; a pocket disposed in the front surface of the flip-top portion, the pocket having a transparent face; and a user-selectable object removably disposed in the pocket.
 6. The accessory for attachment to personal apparel according to claim 5, wherein said transparent face is fabricated from a washable plastic material.
 7. The accessory for attachment to personal apparel according to claim 5, wherein said bottom portion is a replica of a cell phone keypad.
 8. An accessory for attachment to an exterior surface of personal apparel, the personal apparel having a first pocket, the accessory comprising: a simulated cell phone having a bottom portion and a flip-top portion, the flip-top portion having a front surface and a rear surface, the bottom portion having a rear surface being adapted for attachment to the personal apparel; a second pocket disposed in the front surface of the flip-top portion, the pocket having a transparent face; a third pocket disposed in the rear surface of the bottom portion; and a respective, user-selectable object removably disposed in the second pocket and the third pocket.
 9. The accessory for attachment to personal apparel according to claim 8, wherein said transparent face is fabricated from a washable plastic material.
 10. The accessory for attachment to personal apparel according to claim 8, wherein said bottom portion is a replica of a cell phone keypad.
 11. The accessory for attachment to personal apparel according to claim 8, wherein the bottom portion of said cell phone is attached to the first pocket.
 12. The accessory for attachment to personal apparel according to claim 8, further including a note pad disposed on the front surface of said flip-top portion adjacent said second pocket.
 13. The accessory for attachment to personal apparel according to claim 12, further including a faux antenna removably housed in the bottom portion of said simulated cell phone.
 14. The accessory for attachment to personal apparel according to claim 8, wherein said respective selectable object removably disposed in said second pocket is a photograph.
 15. The accessory for attachment to personal apparel according to claim 8, wherein said respective selectable object removably disposed in said second pocket is a game piece.
 16. The accessory for attachment to personal apparel according to claim 8, further including magnetic fasteners disposed on the bottom portion and the flip-top portion of said simulated cell phone. 